Microsoft has rolled out new Insider preview builds designed to streamline navigation across gaming and daily productivity tasks. The changes enable players to adjust critical device settings directly without disrupting gameplay, while general users gain an integrated control center within the desktop search tool. These enhancements reflect an effort to reduce system friction by embedding actionable commands and real-time data into core interfaces. In addition to system toggles, the search bar now surfaces contextual information like stock charts, weather forecasts, and phone management tools.
Key points
Players gain uninterrupted access to essential device settings through integrated Xbox ga…: Players gain uninterrupted access to essential device settings through integrated Xbox gaming mode overlays.
Desktop search has evolved into a functional command hub capable of handling system tasks…: Desktop search has evolved into a functional command hub capable of handling system tasks and detailed data queries.
User feedback via inline thumbs-up and thumbs-down icons will actively shape the accuracy…: User feedback via inline thumbs-up and thumbs-down icons will actively shape the accuracy of future search results.
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The latest Windows 11 Insider build adds some powerful new search features and quick settings while in Xbox mode. The Xbox shortcuts let you control things like Bluetooth, WiFi, and power settings without having to exit gaming mode.
Windows 11 tries new shortcuts for Xbox gaming mode and search
The latest Windows Insider builds revamp search with filters, actions, and phone controls.
The latest Windows Insider builds revamp search with filters, actions, and phone controls.
The search improvements are quite comprehensive. You can now filter results for files, actions, or web results. You can also use the search box to perform actions like changing the screen brightness or volume, and even perform actions on a connected phone, including making calls. Results can also offer much more detail, like when a file was last modified and its author, or pull in charts for stock prices and weather forecasts. And you can train Windows 11 search by clicking inline thumbs-up or thumbs-down icons to help it improve over time.
For the full list of changes, check out Microsoft’s blog post. Beta Build…
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